Sunday School Opportunities

Sermons Pdfs.

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 01:16:29 GMT

Last Sermons

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 04:23:27 GMT

Past Sermons

Finding the Love in Paul. Part 1: What it means to be "In Christ"

Sunday April 12, 2026

Making Sense of the Easter Story. Part 4: Into the Mystic.

Sunday April 19, 2026

Making Sense of the Easter Story. Part 3 - Love is a Revolution.

Sunday March 29, 2026

Making Sense of the Easter Story. Part 4: Into the Mystic.

Sunday April 5, 2026

Making Sense of the Easter Story: Part 2 - Barabbas.

Sunday March 15, 2026

Failing Empathy.

Sunday March 22, 2026

Making Sense of the Easter Story: Part 1: Atonement.

Sunday March 1, 2026

The Cost of Denial.

Sunday March 8, 2026

Part 6: Cain & Abel.

Sunday February 15, 2026

Part 7: The Flood.

Sunday February 22, 2026

Part 4: The Tree.

Sunday January 25, 2026

Part 5: The Snake.

Sunday February 1, 2026

Part 2: Adam: We are Born of the Earth.

Sunday January 11, 2026

Part 3: Giver of Life and Wisdom.

Sunday January 18, 2026

The Gift of Silence

Sunday December 28, 2025

What We Can Learn from the Creation Myth in Genesis:Part 1: In the Beginning

Sunday January 4, 2026

Mary's Song

Sunday December 14, 2025

The Difference Between "Jesus"and "Christ"

Sunday December 21, 2025

Introduction to Christian Mysticism: Life Itself Is Our Teacher

Sunday November 30, 2025

Visions of Peace

Sunday December 7, 2025

Introduction to Christian Mysticism: “All is One”

Sunday November 16, 2025

Introduction to Mystical Christianity: "This, Too, is God"

Sunday November 23, 2025

Introduction to Christian Mysticism: "God as Being or a Being"

Sunday November 2, 2025

Introduction to Mystical Christianity “The ‘I am ‘Sayings”

Sunday November 9, 2025

What Becomes of the Dream?

Sunday October 19, 2025

Will You Let Your Heart Break?

Sunday October 26, 2025

It’s not about being Christian, it’s about love.

Sunday October 5, 2025

Upon What Are You Basing Your Life?

Sunday October 12, 2025

Pearls Before Swine.

Sunday September 21, 2025

By Their Fruits You Will Know Them.

Sunday September 28, 2025

Judge Not.

Sunday September 7, 2025

Video: Buzz and Belong .

Sunday September 14, 2025

The Light Within.

Sunday August 24, 2025

You Cannot Serve Two Masters.

Sunday August 31, 2025

Forgiveness Is Letting Go of Pain.

Sunday August 10, 2025

Treasures in Heaven.

Sunday August 17, 2025

Recovering from Spiritual Amnesia.

Sunday July 27, 2025

Getting Beyond Worry.

Sunday August 3, 2025

The Village We Build.

Sunday July 13, 2025

Finding Your Way.

Sunday July 20, 2025

Pure Gift.

Sunday June 29, 2025

God’s Messengers.

Sunday July 6, 2025

We Are God’s Children.

Sunday June 15, 2025

We All Without Exception.

Sunday June 22, 2025

Crossroads.

Sunday June 1, 2025

The Quiet Strength of Belief.

Sunday June 8, 2025

What a Little Schnauzer Taught Me About Humanity.

Sunday May 18, 2025

Living Monuments.

Sunday May 25, 2025

From Confirmed to Transformed.

Sunday May 4, 2025

Back to Life.

Sunday May 11, 2025

Divine Losers: Resistance and Resurrection.

Sunday April 20, 2025

Choosing to Enter the Eye of the Strom.

Sunday April 27, 2025

Moving in the Neighborly Direction.

Sunday April 6, 2025

I'm No Hero... I do what I have to do.

Sunday April 13, 2025

How to be a bodhisattva.

Sunday March 23, 2025

When Empire Rob Us

Sunday March 30, 2025

The Way: Part 6 - Forgive Our Debts.

Sunday March 9, 2025

On my way to finding hope.

Sunday March 16, 2025

The Way: Part 4 - On Earth As It Is In Heaven.

Sunday February 23, 2025

The Way: Part 5: Our Daily Bread.

Sunday March 2, 2025

Wonder.

Sunday February 9, 2025

The Way: The Name.

Sunday February 16, 2025

The Way: Part 3 - The Coin.

Sunday January 26, 2025

Steer Into the Storm.

Sunday February 2, 2025

On Prayer.

Sunday January 12, 2025

The Way: On Prayer, Part 2: Our Heavenly Parent.

Sunday January 19, 2025

Letting Love Be Born in Our Lives: Part 4: Conclusion.

Sunday December 29, 2024

The Way: Oaths.

Sunday January 5, 2025

Letting Love Be Born in Our Lives: Part 3: The Tree of Life.

Sunday December 15, 2024

Letting Love Be Born in Our Lives: Part 4: The Darkness By Which We See.

Sunday December 22, 2024

Letting Love Be Born in Our Lives:The Christmas Decoder Ring.

Sunday December 1, 2024

Letting Love Be Born in Our Lives: Part 2: The Revolutionary Nature of Love.

Sunday December 8, 2024

The New Humanity.

Sunday November 17, 2024

The Way: Desire.

Sunday November 24, 2024

On Choosing Our Life's Foundation.

Sunday November 3, 2024

Let not your hearts be troubled.

Sunday November 10, 2024

A Rough Thanksgiving.

Sunday October 20, 2024

What is Prayer?

Sunday October 27, 2024

You Don’t Have the Right to Remain Silent.

Sunday October 6, 2024

When Everything Falls Apart.

Sunday October 13, 2024

The Way: On Anger.

Sunday September 22, 2024

The Way: On Anger II.

Sunday September 29, 2024

You are the Light of the World.

Sunday September 8, 2024

I Have not Come to Destroy the Law but to Fulfill It.

Sunday September 15, 2024

The Way: 9. Blessed are they who are persecuted for justice.

Sunday September 1, 2024

The Way: 8. Blessed are the Peacemakers.

Sunday August 25, 2024

The Way: 7. Blessed are the Pure in Hearth.

Sunday August 18, 2024

The Way: 6. Blessed are the Merciful.

Sunday August 11, 2024

The Way: 5. Blessed Are Those Who Hunger

Sunday August 4, 2024

The Way: 4. Blessed are those Who Hunger and Thirst for Justice.

Sunday July 28, 2024

The Way: 3. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Sunday July 21, 2024

The Way: 2. Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Sunday July 14, 2024

The Way: 1. The Beatitudes

Sunday July 7, 2024

On Earth as it is in Heaven: A Christian Commitment to Democracy

Sunday June 30, 2024

Important Information

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:42:15 GMT

Important Information

Church Time Opportunities

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:39:33 GMT

Church Time Opportunities

First Service 8:15, Second Service 11:00

The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 20:16:05 GMT

The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity

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Inclusive Language

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:31:19 GMT

St. Andrew's Inclusive Language

Questions and Answers

At St. Andrew's we are proud of our continuing efforts to be more inclusive. It was back in 1999, after much exploration and discussion, that the Session of St. Andrew's decided that we will use inclusive language in all events and services that take place here. Additionally, it was decided that we will not make use of "feudal" language when referring to God, Jesus or humanity in general. Here are some answers to common questions about this language decision.

Use the button below to read the sermon on February 12, 2012. This is the date that the Inclusive Language Policy was introduced to the congregation.

A Brief History of the Presbyterian Church

gloria@staopen.org (Gloria Vasquez) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:28:52 GMT

What makes St. A's special?

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:24:34 GMT

St. A's Member, Rep. James Talarico, preaching on June 30, 2024

The Story of St. Andrew’s

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:03:12 GMT

The Story of St. Andrew’s

How it All Began

According to history compiled by First Presbyterian Church of Austin, Presbyterians originally gathered in Austin in October 1839 when services were held in the Bullock Hotel. The meeting established the initial church, but the members promptly fled for Washington-on-the-Brazos, then the Capital of Texas, due to fear of raids by Native Americans. As the City of Austin grew, people began coming back and, by 1850, Austin was home to 629 individuals. On May 26, 1850, following a worship service in the old Capitol Building, a group was named to organize the first Presbyterian church in the city. On August 24, 1851, a small fame building, 30 ft. by 40 ft., was opened as the church’s first home.

The Civil War caused a rift in the church and in 1866 a pro-Northern majority at First Presbyterian Church supported a resolution disclaiming all connection with the Central Texas (Confederate) Presbytery. They then went on to construct the first stone structure in 1890 at 7 ^th and Lavaca. By then Austin had swollen to a population of 14,575.

Becoming a New Church

By 1950 Austin had grown to a population of 132,459 and First Presbyterian Church, still located at the 7 ^th Street and Lavaca site, began discussing the idea of a new mission outreach church. Determined to move to the northernmost edge of the city (where growth seemed to be occurring), the church found property on Koenig Lane, which was at the time a simple dirt road.

To grow a new congregation while constructing the church, congregants met at Rosedale Elementary School (2117 W. 49 ^th St.) with the first service held on March 2, 1952. On March 4 the Presbytery approved the formation of the new congregation and on March 29 eight members were dismissed from First Presbyterian to become charter members of St. Andrew’s. Soon the church consisted of 68 members. On April 27, 1952, St. Andrew’s was officially approved by the Presbytery.

When members of First Presbyterian Church in Austin were discussing creating a ‘north Austin’ congregation, Dr. Fred Brooks, pastor of the church, presented the following comments, outlining the origin of the name of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church:

“A church should not only have a name, but it should be a distinctive name with historical and evangelical meaning. As a name for a church professing allegiance to the Presbyterian standards, Saint Andrew’s has much to commend it.

St. Andrew was one of the 12 Apostles, and one of the first four called into fellowship with Jesus. St. Andrew is regarded as the first Missionary of the original disciples.

According to Christian tradition, Andrew was a faithful and devoted apostle and suffered martyrdom about the year 70 AD, being crucified on an X-shaped cross, known since as the cross of St. Andrew.

He is recognized as the patron saint of Scotland, and the Cross of Saint Andrew was adopted as the design of the national flag of that country. The cross of St. Andrew is combined with the crosses of St. George and of St. Patrick in the flag of the United Kingdom.”

The groundbreaking of the first permanent home at 2011 Koenig Lane was in 1953. The first service was held on July 10, 1955. The first structure was an educational wing. During the next decade the congregation started a daycare and kindergarten program, converted the educational building into a new sanctuary (worship space) and built additional educational space. While final touches were being applied, the church met briefly at Lamar Junior High. As part of the new sanctuary, a wooden cross was constructed over a steel beam and the youth of the church were tasked with the chore of ‘distressing’ the wood to make the cross look ‘old and rugged.’ Official dedication of the new structure was in May 1965.

Moving On Again

During the mid-80s, as Austin topped 345,000 citizens, St. Andrew’s, facing a continuing expansion of Austin and worshipping in an aging neighborhood, decided to move yet again further north.

For an interim location a metal warehouse building was chosen at 15404 N. IH 35 in Austin. While there an aggressive search was conducted for a site for a new permanent home for the church. While housed in the warehouse new callings began to appear for the church.

As a result of the church’s support of women’s reproductive rights the building received its first bomb threat. Services on some Sunday mornings were disrupted by hail or heavy rain striking the metal roof. A theater project was added, calling on the talents of the congregation to perform.

For the new permanent home of St. Andrew’s, a 6-acre lot was chosen at the corner of Wells Branch Parkway and Wells Port Drive. Groundbreaking was September 12, 1990. Architect Tom Shefelman designed the octagonal building as a fellowship hall which would serve as a temporary sanctuary for worship services until a more formal sanctuary could be built. The first services were held on March 1, 1992.

The building was designed the way it is today based on then-current programs, missions and plans. The ‘education wing’ was set up to house the daycare facility the church had started back at the Koenig Lane facility. The daycare was ultimately discontinued in 2005 as enrollment diminished and few members of the congregation used the service. Originally a fountain was included in the middle of the foyer but discontinued after a few years to allow more gathering space. One of the rocks from that still stands near the entrance to the church.

During the first few years in the new building, ongoing changes in policies and format of the worship service caused disagreements within the congregation which led to the departure of several members and a subsequent tightening of the budget.

Over the years the church was approached twice by real estate brokers interested in buying the land, or a portion of it, to construct a retail facility. Both times, after lengthy study and reflection, the congregation declined to sell despite the offer of significant money for the property.

Built with money borrowed through church bonds, the obligation of paying the mortgage soon became a significant financial burden for the smaller congregation. Ultimately, the Session reluctantly agreed that selling 2 acres of land to the Wells Branch MUD made sense in order to retire the debt and put the church back on sound financial footing.

A Changing Mission

Expanded education programs, increased emphasis on direct care programs such as the food pantry, support for immigrant rights and support of LGBTQIA+ rights placed growing pressure on the original design of the building. Two rooms of the ‘educational wing’ were converted into living facilities for two individuals seeking asylum.

In 2017 a study team was formed to consider options for renovation and expansion of the building, culminating in a formal capital campaign in 2019 - 2020 and Session approval of a contract with the Jackson Galloway FGM architectural firm for design. The building expansion and renovation added additional restrooms and showers, 3 meeting rooms, an office, a commissary, a laundry room and an enclosed hallway that serves as an art gallery. The renovated facility was dedicated in March 2022, the 30th anniversary of the building itself.

Ministers

As previously noted, St. Andrews’ was an outgrowth of First Presbyterian Church in Austin. Dr. Fred Brooks was the pastor at the time.

After establishing the new St. Andrew’s Congregation, the Reverend Charles L. Dickey, newly retired as a Navy Chaplain, preached the sermon at the first service on March 2, 1952. Dickey was a graduate of Trinity University and Princeton Theological Seminary. He had held pastorates at Canyon, Mesquite, Paris and Arlington. Upon formal recognition of the church by the Presbytery, Reverend Dickey was installed as the first pastor and served until December 1957. He left to work for the Synod of Texas and was replaced by the Reverend Robert E. Graham who served from April 20, 1958, until 1962 when he left to work with children afflicted with cerebral palsy.

The next pastor for St. Andrew’s came as a new graduate from Seminary, Reverend Robert E. Hendrix, who was originally ordained at St Andrew’s. He served from February 1963 to January 31, 1967, when he left to become educational director for the Texas Commission on Alcoholism. The Revered Harwell E. Norris Jr. moved from Colorado to assume the responsibility as pastor in November 1967 and left in June 1982. Rev. Norris was replaced by Dr. James Rigby, who left John Calvin Presbyterian Church in San Antonio as Assistant Pastor to assume the leadership role on December 1, 1982.

Enjoy this video about St. Andrew's history, created for our 70th anniversary in 2022.

Sunday School Opportunities

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 04:49:37 GMT

Sunday School Opportunities

9:45 - 10:45

Serving our Community

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:01:27 GMT

Our Food & Diaper Pantry

St. Andrew’s offers a Food Pantry the 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month (but NOT the 4th Saturday in December) from 9:00 AM – 12 Noon. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. We partner with the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) and Austin Diaper Bank. We serve a variety of customers from the surrounding area who face food insecurity. Customers shop with assigned volunteers for packaged food, fresh fruit & vegetables, milk, bread, and seasonal offerings from the St. Andrew’s garden, in addition to diapers and period products. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs at each Food Pantry, as well as preparing for the Food Pantry on Fridays prior to each pantry.

Despensa de Alimentos & Pañales

St. Andrew's ofrece una despensa de alimentos el segundo y 4to sábado de cada mes (pero NO el cuarto sábado de diciembre) de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Nos asociamos con el Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) y Austin Diaper Bank. Brindamos ayuda a una variedad de personas de los alrededores que necesitan alimentos. Las personas con la ayuda de voluntarios asignados toman lo que necesitan, alimentos envasados, frutas y verduras frescas, leche, pan y productos de temporada del jardín de St. Andrew's, además de pañales y productos para la menstruación. Necesitamos voluntarios para una variedad de trabajos en cada despensa de alimentos, así como para preparar la despensa de alimentos los viernes antes de cada despensa.

Regístrese en línea en español para ahorrar tiempo el día de la despensa.

Upcoming Events

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:00:13 GMT